so that in his presence no human being might have anything to boast of.

For what human being can understand a man's thoughts except the man's own spirit within him? Just so no one understands the thoughts of God but the spirit of God.

I for my part care very little about being examined by you or by any human court. I do not even offer myself for investigation.

We are made fools of, for the sake of Christ, while you are men of sense, through being united with him. We are weak, you are strong. You are distinguished, we are despised.

And can you put on airs, instead of being overwhelmed with grief at having to expel from your number the man who has done this?

Being circumcised or being uncircumcised does not make any difference; all that matters is keeping God's commands.

But it is not everyone that has this knowledge; for some, through being long accustomed to idols, still eat meat that has been sacrificed to them as really offered to an idol, and their consciences, being oversensitive, are troubled.

What am I saying then? That there is any such thing as being offered to an idol, or any such thing as an idol?

Therefore, I must tell you that no one who is speaking under the influence of the Spirit of God ever says, "Curse Jesus!" and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord!" without being under the influence of the holy Spirit.

Even inanimate things, like the flute or the harp, may produce sound, but if there is no difference in the notes, how can you tell what is being played?

So, my brothers, set your hearts on being inspired to preach, and yet do not hinder people from speaking ecstatically.